Unusually High Temperatures in Western Australia
Western Australia is set to experience its hottest days of the year this Saturday, with temperatures expected to reach the high 30s in the southwest corner and even touch the low 40s in the northwest. This heatwave has been driven by a surface trough extending along the west coast, combined with abundant sunshine, which has caused temperatures to rise significantly above the March average.
Image: Much of inland western WA will heat up well above average. Source:
Record-Breaking Heat in Perth
Perth has not been spared from the late-season heat, with inland parts of the city experiencing temperatures exceeding 37°C every day since Wednesday. At Perth Airport, the mercury reached 39.1°C on Wednesday, followed by 39.5°C on Thursday and 37.3°C on Friday. Meanwhile, Pearce, located in the city’s outer northeast, recorded temperatures of 39.2°C, 40.3°C, and 39.6°C on the same days. Further north, Morawa, nearly 150km east-southeast of Geraldton, also saw temperatures of 38.9°C, 38.8°C, and 40.1°C during this period.
Image: Heatwave severity forecast for the period from Thursday 19th to Saturday 21st. Source:
Extended Heatwave and Regional Impacts
The lingering trough is expected to move further east on Saturday, ahead of an approaching cold front that will affect the southwest coast. However, there is at least one more day of summer-like heat expected across inland western WA, with a low-intensity heatwave forecast for the region. Temperatures are likely to return to the mid to high 30s in many areas. In the Gascoyne and western Pilbara regions, temperatures may even exceed the 40s for several locations.
Image: Perth Airport, along with much of southwest WA will become cooler from Sunday. Source:
Relief Expected with Cold Front
From Sunday, a cold front should bring some relief to the southwest coast, although hot days may continue in the northwest until mid-next week. The approach of Tropical Cyclone Narelle is expected to increase latent energy over northern parts of WA early to mid-next week. This could lead to a spike in temperatures across the Pilbara from Tuesday onwards.
Summary of Weather Trends
- A surface trough over the west coast has contributed to rising temperatures.
- Perth and surrounding areas have seen record-breaking heat over the past few days.
- The heatwave is expected to last through the weekend, with some relief anticipated from Sunday.
- The northwest region will remain hotter for a longer period, with potential temperature spikes due to the influence of Tropical Cyclone Narelle.
